The King County Library System (KCLS) is pleased to announce expanded services within Phase 2 of its multiphase plan to reopen libraries to the public. Beginning the week of July 13, patrons can now place new holds, activate suspended holds and take home a surprise bag of books.
“KCLS continues to rollout new services, and provide familiar services in new ways this summer,” said KCLS Executive Director Lisa Rosenblum. “We hope everyone is enjoying the expanded access to KCLS’ physical collections. We have missed our patrons, and are excited to see so many happy faces when they pick up their holds!”
During Phase 2, holds may only be picked up at select library locations via Curbside to Go, KCLS’ new contact-free pickup service. Since launching on July 1, the first two weeks of the Curbside to Go service were reserved for patrons who had holds ready to pick up before the System-wide closure. On July 15, KCLS expanded Curbside to Go for all holds and received nearly 48,000 new hold requests—more than triple the daily pre-pandemic count.
Surprise bags of books are also now available at all Curbside to Go locations, which are filled with five books according to age and interest. Patrons may request a surprise bag on the myLIBRO app when they schedule a pickup, or ask for one when they arrive at the Curbside to Go pickup table. Curbside to Go may be arranged by appointment, by walk-up with a phone or by walk-up without a phone. Visit kcls.org/curbside or call 425.462.9600 to learn more, and see which library locations are participating near you.
KCLS has also begun to reinstate some Mobile Outreach Services with modifications. Contact-free pickup and drop-off service has resumed at previously frequented childcare locations, assisted living facilities, and individual and adult family homes. These services help get library materials in the hands of residents who are unable to make it to the library to use Curbside to Go.
KCLS encourages patrons to continue to take advantage of online services and resources while library buildings remain closed to the public. Residents in the KCLS service area (in King County, outside the city of Seattle) can sign up instantly for a digital eCard to access the library online. For those who don’t have computer or internet access, contact Ask KCLS by phone at 425.462.9600 or 800.462.9600. Staff are ready to answer questions, and direct residents to helpful resources and information.
